Babatunde Jose
Ismail Babatunde Jose OFR (13 December 1925 – 2 August 2008) was a Nigerian journalist and newspaper editor, described as "the grandfather of Nigerian journalism" by the BBC, who served as Managing Director and later Chairman of the Daily Times of Nigeria from 1962 to 1976.
Quotes
[edit]- When we started in the mid '40s, the purpose of a newspaper was to influence people's minds and the struggle at that time was for independence in Nigeria. In Britain and America, which we copied, newspapers were political tools of setting agenda and monitoring government activities. They could influence elections. They could bring down governments. Zik, Herbert Macaulay, Awolowo who inspired us were politically powerful journalists. We aspired to be like them.
- The media in Nigeria is performing well but it is not leading.
- I had to balance between the ivory and iron towers, occasionally risking a little spin round one foot and yet remaining firmly balanced on the rope.
References
[edit]- 1 2 "DTN at 91: Remembering Babatunde Jose", citing an interview with The Spectator, 8–14 August 2008
- ↑ "From Peter Enahoro to Babatunde Jose: The Press and the Nigeria Project", citing Jose's autobiography Walking a Tightrope, Daily Trust
